There are unique traditions held in Indonesia, including in Bali, in relation to celebration of August 17 or Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia. One of the unique games involving many participants and is said to be a legacy of Dutch colonialism is climbing areca tree.
Apparently this exciting game is inseparable from the excitement of commemorating the Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia aside from running sacks and eating crackers.
Several attractive prizes are suspended on the areca tree to be grabbed in this challenging competition. The prizes are in the form of various kitchen utensils, clothes or groceries such as rice, sugar, bread and bicycles.
Anyone can participate in the games, both young and old. All get the joy of the celebration, including the audience. By and large, it involves a team so that it will be easier to get the prizes. When reaching them, they will be divided later. Everyone is dissolved in the euphoria of the annual celebration.
Especially for 2020 in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, celebrations are not as festive or as many as in previous years because people adhere to health protocols to maintain distance. However, they always have a way to celebrate, such as with playing kites which also happen to be in season, virtual competition and other simpler activities.
As the name suggests, areca climbing is carried out on the areca tree (Areca catechu). This tree is chosen to make a race pole because it has good quality, straight trunk, height and perfect trunk circumference. In order to be really smooth and smooth, the skin is peeled off. Then, the segments of the areca stem are flattened with shavings.
The size considered ideal has a height in the range of 8-10 meters and a diameter of about 50 cm. Then, the areca tree trunk is filled with lubricant to make it slippery to pose a challenge.
